Have You been Injured in a Machinery Accident in the Workplace? What You can Do and Expect

Operating heavy or complicated machinery has its own share of risks. Those who regularly operate this type of machinery should receive the proper training and should be experienced enough to run the machinery in a thoroughly safe manner. But what if you do not receive the proper training from your employer, operate the machinery, and are injured? What if the machinery itself is not properly maintained, resulting in an injury to you? Here’s another scenario: what if you are operating the machinery without the right safety equipment, and receive an injury? Who is to blame then? The answer is clear: your employer.

Your employer is under obligation to provide you with the right training and a safe working environment, especially when you operate heavy or complex machinery or equipment. Furthermore, your employer is supposed to make sure that your workplace is thoroughly functional – and safe. If you can prove that your employer has not performed their duties and obligations thoroughly, resulting in a physical injury, then you can make a claim for compensation.

The most common reasons for machinery accidents in the workplace

There are various reasons why accidents involving machinery occur in the workplace. The most common reason is insufficient training and qualifications. Sometimes, employers do not pay sufficient attention to the training and qualifications of their employees who work with heavy or complex machinery. This can result in injuries. Another cause of machinery accidents is the employer’s failure to provide their employees with the correct equipment for safety, such as helmets, ropes and harnesses, and more. Machinery accidents also occur due to working with machinery that is not well-maintained or even faulty.

The most common types of injuries from machinery

Whilst injuries from machinery are diverse, there are some injuries that are more common than most. One of these is injuries related to being crushed or squashed. Another common type of injury from working with machinery is cuts and lacerations. Other machinery injuries include injuries to the upper limbs and injuries to the face or eyes.

What to expect when making a claim

If you have become a victim of an injury due to the operation of machinery, your employer may be held liable – as long as you can prove that they have not taken due care and responsibility in making sure your machinery is safe, the workplace environment is safe, and you are suitably trained.

The compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injury – and also how it has affected your way of life. An amputation, for example, could entitle you to a compensation amount between £60,000 and £70,000, sometimes more. To know more about what you can expect with a work accident claim, consult the experts at http://shireslaw.com.